… ummm if they like goals. Man this kid can score; just have a look:
(Courtesy: Draft Dynasty)
Mark Kelley's comments on Caufield (via The Athletic) were some of high praise by the main man in charge of the Blackhawks draft.
"He's the best goal-scorer in the draft. His ability to get to spots, get open and get the puck on the net is just remarkable. And the size factor is not an issue. He has a lot of similarities to Alex (DeBrincat), and he has a very, very strong lower trunk. He has no fear. Like Alex, you probably least suspect him to be involved in the scrums, but then when you go back and look it up, he's one of the leaders in scrums. He's so competitive. He doesn't feel like he has any kind of a size disadvantage and he's proven that."
The question is, has Caufield climbed up the charts enough to make the Blackhawks feel comfortable taking him at #3? Also, do they want 2x Alex DeBrincat's on the team? (<- that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world).
Before I answer that, here is a snapshot of Caufield and all his goals in the form of a stat sheet:
Player Profile (Courtesy: Elite Prospects)
And here is an interview (so you can get to know the player off-ice):
(Courtesy: MiHockey)
Now, #3 might be a little bit of a reach for the Blackhawks, but will goals at such a premium in today's NHL, they have to consider Caufield as an option as they go through this process.
* 8th by NHL Central Scouting (NA Skaters)
* 13th by EliteProspects.com
* 8th by DraftSite.com
Here's a nice breakdown by Wiz on Draftsite.com:
"Right now, a diminutive score with great wheels, passing hands, a feisty side and an incredible goal scoring ability. Hides his release point and shows great velocity and needs very little time or space to shoot and score. He plays heavy on his stick and display a wicked backhand, a quick wrister and devastating one-timers. Has a shake and bake weight shift and use of his edges that allows for surprising shots when they are least expected. The Wisconsin native is committed to the University of Wisconsin, and size is NOT a concern." (Bill Placzek, DraftSite.com)
Wiz mentions "size" in his last line above. I'm 350+ words into this article and I haven't mentioned once that Caufield is 5'7 / 163 lbs. I didn't mention it because you all know that he's small. I also didn't mention it because I don't think that should be his identifier.
Like his comparison, DeBrincat, size is not an issue for Caufield because of the way he plays. I honestly don't think the Blackhawks draft him (sorry DK), but I think some team in the 5-10 range is going to get one hell of a goal scorer.
Wiz has him going 8th to the Edmonton Oilers and boy would he sure look good next to Connor McDavid.
The NHL combine begins this week and as I mentioned on the message board, I will keep you informed of anything that comes out of it that I find interesting.
Whether it be a player that the Hawks are targeting, cool family stories or tales of freak physical fitness like we saw in Liam Foudy last year.
Lastly, let's end the way we always end these - with Wiz's take on why the Hawks could select the Alex DeBrincat clone, Cole Caufield:
The Blackhawks select Cole Caufield if… they feel there is room to carry another diminutive scorer with a great shot. (Bill Placzek, DraftSite.com)
Chicago Blackhawks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»